Josh Hutcherson Backs Campaign To Provide Computers To LGBT Teens

By
On Top Magazine Staff
Published:
August 09, 2014

Actor Josh Hutcherson is backing a new
campaign to provide LGBT youth access to computers and important
online resources.

Straight But Not Narrow (SBNN), The
Trevor Project and human I-T have joined forces to launch Power On.

The campaign encourages teens to donate
their old laptops, tablets and smartphones, which will be refurbished
and distributed to LGBT resource centers nationwide.

According to a GLSEN study, 52% of
closeted youth used the Internet to connect with like minded
individuals.

“At The Trevor Project, we know that
connecting to a community can lead to support and friendships, as
well as reduce the risk for suicide attempts and other high-risk
behaviors,” Abbe Land, executive director and CEO of The Trevor
Project, said in a statement, “but for young LGBTQ people, it may
not be easy to find others like them nearby. That's why we are so
excited for this partnership with Straight But Not Narrow and human
I-T to ensure underserved LGBTQ youth can access TrevorSpace.org in
addition to other life-affirming resources.”

Hutcherson (The Hunger Games),
whose involvement with Straight But Not Narrow dates back to 2011,
said he was donating one of his computers to the initiative.

“I'm kicking off the Power On
campaign by donating one of my old computers, and it's awesome to
know that it'll be used to help a young person out there who, before
this campaign, wasn't able to get access to information and resources
that could really help them. I've always respected the work that The
Trevor Project does, and to have an opportunity for Straight But Not
Narrow to collaborate with them on a campaign like Power On is
exciting,” he said.